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This information explains carpal tunnel syndrome, some of its common causes, and how it can be treated.

Your carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel in your wrist that protects your median nerve (nerve that runs from your forearm to your palm) and other tissues (see Figure 1). Your median nerve allows you to have feeling in your first 4 fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the tissues in your carpal tunnel swell and press on your median nerve. This can make your hand hurt or feel numb. In some people, the carpal tunnel is small, which make them more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some factors that can cause swelling of your carpal tunnel are:

Repeating the same wrist movements or using your wrist too much

Moving your wrist forcefully

Tumor

Dislocations, sprains, or wrist injury

Not having enough vitamin B6 in your diet

Using aromatase inhibitors (medication used in some treatment for breast cancer in females who have gone through menopause)

Being female

Having genes that make you more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Your doctor will diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by:

Reviewing your medical history.

Giving you a physical exam.

Ordering tests that look at your muscles and nerves. These tests are called nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG). Your doctor will let you know if you will need to have these tests done.

Your doctor may also order blood work and x-rays. These tests are done to rule out other conditions that may be causing your problem.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The goal of treatment is to relieve the pressure on your median nerve, which will make your hand feel better. The type of treatment you receive depends on the length and severity of your symptoms. Treatment will also look for what is causing your carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some of the treatments that your doctor may suggest include:

Resting your wrist to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Try to identify the activities that are making your symptoms worse so you can stop or change them.

Splinting your wrist will keep your hand and wrist in a position that doesn’t cause strain. This will help reduce the swelling that is pressing on your nerve, which will help decrease your symptoms. Wear your wrist splint as instructed by your doctor.

Your doctor may suggest that you work with a physical or occupational therapist. Your therapist will:

Give you suggestions on how to change habits that may be causing the strain.

Adjust your wrist splint so that it fits correctly.

Show you how to move or hold your hand in a way that doesn’t increase pressure on your median nerve.

Teach you exercises that will strengthen your hand and wrist.

Medication may be used to decrease the swelling. The most common types of medication used to help with carpal tunnel syndrome are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These will help with the pain and reduce swelling.

Your doctor will tell you which medication is best for you. The doctor will base this on your symptoms and health history. You should take these medications according to your doctor’s instructions.

Steroid injections (shots) into the carpal tunnel area. This will reduce the swelling. A decrease in swelling may help to decrease pain. Steroid shots are used if your pain doesn’t go away after trying other therapies. These shots may help with the pain and swelling for several weeks or months.

Surgery, if you have a lot of pain and severe limitations in your movement, or if other treatments haven’t worked. The surgery will release pressure on the nerve with the goal of reducing your pain.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact a member of your healthcare team directly or call 212-639-2000 for help.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk with a member of your healthcare team. You can reach them Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at ____________________. After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, please call____________________. If there’s no number listed, or you’re not sure, call 212-639-2000.

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